Growing world demand for renewable fuels has resulted in an increased interest in alternative, new oilseed crops. Cover crops such as Carinata and Camelina have a relatively short growth cycle and can be cultivated in temperate climate zones in light or medium soils. For these reasons, they are considered as promising new biofuels feedstocks.
SEEDS PROCESSING
Oil extraction from Brassica Carinata and Camelina Sativa is straightforward and similar to oil extraction from rape and canola seeds. One possible crushing route consists of the mechanical pre-pressing of the seeds followed by a solvent extraction. This process route gives max. oil recovery but requires a higher investment compare to a full mechanical (solvent-free) oil extraction. Main drawback of full pressing is the lower oil yield as the press cake still contains ±8% residual oil.
Oil extraction from Brassica Carinata and Camelina Sativa is straightforward and similar to oil extraction from rape and canola seeds. One possible crushing route consists of the mechanical pre-pressing of the seeds followed by a solvent extraction. This process route gives max. oil recovery but requires a higher investment compare to a full mechanical (solvent-free) oil extraction. Main drawback of full pressing is the lower oil yield as the press cake still contains ±8% residual oil.
OIL REFINING
Refining of Carinata and Camelina oil is very similar to the refining of Canola/Rapeseed oil. Nitrogen, Sulphur and Chlorine content in these crude oils is usually low. Hence, pre-treatment for biofuels production mainly focuses on the removal of P and metals. FFA stripping is only needed when the refined oil is intended for biodiesel, not when used for HVO production. Final color is not a quality parameter for these applications.
Refining of Carinata and Camelina oil is very similar to the refining of Canola/Rapeseed oil. Nitrogen, Sulphur and Chlorine content in these crude oils is usually low. Hence, pre-treatment for biofuels production mainly focuses on the removal of P and metals. FFA stripping is only needed when the refined oil is intended for biodiesel, not when used for HVO production. Final color is not a quality parameter for these applications.
CONCLUSIONS
Oil extraction from Carinata and Camelina seeds and refining of the crude oil can be done with known, well established processes. Biodiesel/HVO feedstock specifications can be achieved by a straightforward degumming and bleaching; no complex purification process is needed. Hence, whether or not Carinata and Camelina oil will effectively become meaningful biofuel feedstocks will depend on crop cultivation-related parameters; such as the availability of enough land, sensitivity of the crop and achievable seed/oil yield per hectare.